Active Directory Administrator - Metro Hartford Innovation Services (N188- 2526)

POSTING NUMBER: N188- 2526

POSTING DATE: February 18, 2026

CLOSING DATE: March 3, 2026

POSITION: Active Directory Administrator – Metro Hartford Innovation Services

REPORTS TO: Chief Innovation Officer (CIO)

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS: Responsible for administering and securing the City of Hartford and Hartford Public Schools’ enterprise identity, directory, and server infrastructure in a hybrid on‑prem/cloud environment. This role manages Active Directory, Azure AD, Windows Server, virtualization, automation, and disaster recovery while ensuring high availability, strong security, and regulatory compliance. Provides Tier 2/3 support, leads infrastructure modernization efforts, and partners with business and technical teams to deliver reliable, customer-focused IT services.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Administer and engineer Active Directory, Azure AD (Entra ID), ADFS, DNS, and DHCP in a hybrid enterprise environment.
• Design, maintain, and secure Windows Server and virtualization platforms (VMware ESXi/vCenter).
• Manage identity lifecycle, access controls, Group Policy, and privileged access in accordance with security and compliance requirements.
• Support and optimize virtualized compute, storage (SAN), and backup systems.
• Automate administrative tasks using PowerShell and scripting frameworks.
• Monitor performance, capacity, availability, and security across server and identity platforms.
• Lead and support infrastructure modernization projects, including AD forest upgrades, consolidations, and cloud integrations.
• Provide Tier 2/3 support for identity, server, and virtualization issues in a 24x7 highly available environment.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, architecture diagrams, standards, and operating procedures.
• Participate in disaster recovery planning, testing, and execution.
• Collaborate with internal teams, vendors, and consultants on system upgrades and enterprise initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with data privacy, security, and regulatory frameworks (HIPAA, FERPA, state privacy laws).
• Communicate complex technical concepts clearly to non-technical stakeholders.
• Proactively identify risks, improve reliability, and enhance customer satisfaction.
• Additional duties as assigned by Supervisor.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in Information Systems or a related field OR equivalent combination of education and 6+ years of progressively responsible IT infrastructure experience.
• 5+ years administering Active Directory and enterprise identity services.
• 4+ years supporting enterprise data center or hybrid infrastructure environments.
• 5+ years working with virtualization platforms.
• 3+ years developing automation using PowerShell.
• Advanced knowledge of Windows Server, Group Policy, and identity security.
• Working knowledge of networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, VLANs, DNS, SMTP, SSH).
• Experience with server migrations, AD forest/domain upgrades, and consolidations.
• Strong understanding of Identity & Access Management (IAM), Zero Trust concepts, and security best practices.
• Excellent communication, documentation, and customer service skills.

Skills: (Non-Negotiable Must-Have Skills and Experience)

• Azure / Microsoft 365 administration experience
• Linux administration
• Scripting or programming experience (PowerShell, Python, Bash)
• Experience with cloud and SaaS identity integrations
• Familiarity with public-sector compliance requirements

Ability to:

• Design, architect and engineer virtualization and automation systems.
• Have a sense of urgency for issue resolution.
• Strong desire not to conform to the status quo and continually improve oneself.
• Be orientated toward continuous improvement with the goal of never seeing the same problem twice.
• Generate scripts and routines for automating updates on computer systems.
• Diagnose root cause of hardware, software and applications problems and implement resolutions in a timely manner.
• Work with minimal supervision and make collaborative decisions with peers while keeping management informed.
• Be committed to communicate, document, and teach others.
• Have a passion for learning and staying updated on emerging trends and technologies.
• Work effectively in a team-oriented and collaborative environment, as well as independently to research information and solve problems.
• Work effectively with customers, administration, and other technical staff to resolve technical problems quickly and efficiently.
• Continually develop and strengthen relationships with colleagues and customers.
• Communicate effectively to understand the problem and explain the solution and maintain patient in dealing with difficult customers.
• Quickly learn, adapt and apply new technology, procedures and concepts.
• Handle multiple projects at once.
• Work under pressure, with challenging time constraints and changing deadlines and priorities

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Certifications in one or more of the following preferred:

• Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate
• Microsoft Certified: Identity and Access Administrator Associate
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate
• VMware (VCP) certification
• Security-related certifications (e.g., Security+, SC‑300)

SALARY AND TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: twelve-month work year. Salary in accordance with Collective Bargaining Agreement for Hartford Educational Support Personnel (HESP) Salary Grid C560 $97,262 - $117,147. (2019-2026). Excellent fringe benefit package. Annual step increases contingent upon satisfactory performance and Board approval.

EVALUATION: Evaluated annually by June 1. Annual goals will be set by July 1.

UNION AFFILIATION: Hartford Educational Support Personnel (HESP)

NOTE: The above description covers the principal duties and responsibilities of the job. The description shall not, however, be construed as a complete listing of all duties or as a contract. In all cases, these relationships, functions, and their applications are subject to change by the Chief Innovation Officer – Metro Hartford Information Services.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: To be considered, all internal and external applicants must fully complete a Hartford Public Schools’ online application, which can be accessed through our Applicant Tracking System, Nimble, at https://app.hirenimble.com/jobs/hartford. Internal applicants should use a personal email address when applying. Please do not use your hartfordschools.org email. Candidates’ application and supporting documents will be reviewed. Candidates who advance through the initial review will be notified and placed in the pool for consideration by hiring managers. Candidates will be contacted directly by hiring managers for interviews.